STOW: Mayor Sara Drew, Munroe Falls Mayor Frank Larson and Superintendent Russ Jones addressed the recent meth lab bust at Thursday’s Safety Task Force meeting.
Five children-ages 2,8,9,11, and 12 were removed from a home on Lillian Road and taken into custody by Summit County Children’s Services on Tuesday.
School officials noticed the smell of chemicals on a 12-year-old student’s clothing, which prompted them to contact the police.
Jason Little, 37, and Brandi Little, 28, were arrested on meth and child endangering charges. They are being held at the Summit County Jail.
Members of the Summit County Drug Unit who allegedly uncovered a methamphetamine lab, chemicals and lab components in the basement searched the home on Lillian Road. It was also reported that other meth-related items were found in the attached garage.
“When we talk about safety, we talk about safety in a lot of respects,” Drew said. “It’s not just the obvious lock the door and prevent some unthinkable event, but situations that students and other community members face everyday and that was a great effort between the school staff and police officers of both departments. I am very glad that there are some children who are safer because of that effort.”
Larson and Jones both spoke of the advantages of having a police presence in the city’s schools.
“That was a perfect example of one of the advantages of having one of the officers in the building,” Jones said.
Jones said that Dare Officer Jim Barker was already at the scene at Lakeview to pass along the tip to police and the Summit County Drug Unit.
“With the absence of the officer it may or may not have happened, but you can see when you are there face-to-face and you can see the emotions and the concern. It is taken very seriously, you follow through with it and (as the mayor said) kids are safer today,” Jones said.
The next Safety Task Force Meeting will be at 5 p.m. on March 7 at Stow City Hall.
